With deep regret, we advise Dan Stroud passed away on Saturday 27 April 2013.

Dan had been a member of the College since 1978.  Here are some details regarding his career.

1^st class hons in Physics from Melbourne followed by MSc and PhD (in 1973) on ‘Neutron capture and element formation in stars’, done mainly at Lucas Heights.

After 5 years at Materials Research Laboratory, he was appointed director of Medical Physics at Prince Henry’s Hospital, Melbourne (later amalgamated into the Monash Medical Centre) remaining there until retirement in 2009. His research interests were in body composition measurement using neutron activation and other techniques, but at MMC was involved in wide /2. range of clinical instrumentation and medical physics projects, including diagnostic imaging department development.

 He was the Foundation Chair of Australasian Radiation Protection Accreditation Board. He was also a part-time lecturer then senior lecturer at Monash, the Co-convenor of EPSM/BECON 93 and chair of the ACPSEM Vic/Tas branch in 1991.

‘A Career in Radiation Oncology’ Project – Raising the Profile of the Profession

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), The Australian Institute of radiography (AIR) and The Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM) are collaborating to promote a career in Radiation Oncology.

The ‘A Career in Radiation Oncology Project’ will promote the three specialties in radiation oncology: radiation oncologists, radiation therapists and radiation oncology medical physicists. There is tripartite collaboration on this project and it is being advised by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives from all three professions. The project will run until May 2014.

The objectives of the project are to building awareness of radiation oncology and the three specialities that support radiation oncology, increase the number of suitably qualified radiation oncology professionals and influence career planning decision-making at an early age.

The project is mainly aimed at high school students and their careers advisors but also targets university students. The project involves:

a)The development of a careers brochure, website, facebook page and video educating students about radiation oncology and the associated professions
b)Development of a presentation to be given at workshops, seminars and other career events.
c)Attendance and participation in careers expos
d)Development of a seminar programme to be held in conjunction with major radiation oncology scientific meetings

 The resources that have been developed to promote a career in radiation oncology will be promoted at the careers events and amongst the profession and also provided to all schools in Australia. These resources have been designed so that the profession are able to continue to educate students into the future following the completion of the project in May 2014.  The brochure, careers website (www.acareerinradiationoncology.com.au), video (http://youtu.be/5E5ssMKEBHs), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/acareerinradiationoncology) and presentation are all now available for use.

The project is booked in to attend a number of careers events throughout 2013 and these include careers expos both in urban and regional areas, post graduate careers expos and career advisor seminars. 

We are seeking representatives from the radiation oncology profession (radiation oncologists and trainees, radiation therapists and radiation oncology medical physicists and trainees) to assist at careers expos on the booth and to give a presentation at careers events. This will allow students to learn about radiation oncology from the people who have work experience in the profession.

The brochure, video, presentation and posters are now available for use. If any member of the radiation oncology profession are attending a career event and would like to use these resources, or would like to volunteer to attend any of the careers events being held across Australian throughout 2013, please contact Ms Mel Grand, RANZCR Project Officer, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone +61 2 9268 9765, so that copies can be sent to you.

For further information on a career in radiation oncology, as well as to obtain copies of these resources online, please visit www.acareerinradiationoncology.com.au

For more information on the radiation oncology workforce, please visit www.radiationoncology.com.au

The ‘A Career in Radiation Oncology’ Project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA).

Dates for the Mammography Testing Certification in 2013 have been released. 

As from the 1st January 2013, it is a mandatory requirement that equipment assessors are certified in the appropriate machine type to conduct RANZCR assessments on mammography equipment.

For those wishing to maximise travel by coupling this certification course with an event- the first course in March will preceed the Breast2013 conference being held in Darling Harbour (Sydney) and the final course in November will be held prior to EPSM2013. 

See: here for more details 

Howell Round's 'A 2012 Survey of the Australasian Clinical Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Workforce' has now been published as an APESM paper. The link is below and will require a subscription (member key) to access.

 2012 Workforce Paper - Howell Round

International Day of Medical Physics – 7 November 2013

As medical imaging technologies are evolving rapidly and pioneer radiotherapy techniques have considerably improved the outcome of cancer therapy, medical physicists become more and more important in the clinical environment. Medical physicists also play a key role in medical research and development of new medical technology. Another key activity of medical physicists is education and training of healthcare professionals in medical radiation protection and medical technology. Nevertheless, the general public is not aware of the critical role medical physicists play in providing services in medical, educational and research institutions. It is important to inform the public on the role and responsibilities of medical physicists and draw attention of the media to the important role that medical physics play in the health care system.

To raise awareness of our profession, the International Organization for Medical Physics will celebrate annually the International Day of Medical Physics (IDMP) on November 7, an important date in the history of medical physics. On that day in 1867, Marie Curie, known for her pioneering research on radioactivity, was born in Poland. ALFIM proposed the idea of celebrating the IDMP and IOMP decided to take the initiative to organize this event. We will celebrate the first IDMP on November 7, 2013. All regional and national organizations are invited to participate by organizing activities such as lectures open to the general public and press appearances.

John Damilakis

IOMP Task Group for the International Day of Medical Physics

The ICCR 2013 meeting will have a clinical focus and will highlight why computers have made radiotherapy a better treatment option for cancer patients. However, as usual with ICCR conferences we also hope to look into the future by discussing how computer assisted decision making, databases and automation, can provide us with information that can further improve the use of radiation therapy and extend its indications.

To view a full copy of the program please click on the following link ICCR2013 Program

KeyInformation:

The 17th International Conference on the Use of Computers in Radiation Therapy (ICCR2013)
Melbourne, Australia
6-9 May 2013

www.iccr2013.org  

Add more value to your EPSM Experience – Look to your future as a team leader, manager, company director and even as an ACPSEM Councillor

Registrations are open for "Leadership through Integrity Action Performance" a workshop to be held at Jupiter's Casino prior to the EPSM opening. Tailored for ACPSEM members, this 2 hour session will investigate the sources of workplace performance by identifying the perceptions and thinking behind people’s actions. Presented by Lisa Rubinstein.

Please see the Leadersip Through Intergrity Action Performance for more information. Registrations close 18 November 2012. 

The next ESTRO Physics Biennial Meeting will be part of the 2nd ESTRO Oncology Forum that will take place from 19 to 23 April 2013 in Geneva and it will be an important platform for the European Radiation Oncology community as all the disciplines will be represented in five meetings, occurring at the same date and place:

• • • The Clinical and Translational Meeting
    • The GEC-ESTRO-ISIORT Meeting
    • The Physics Biennial Meeting
    • The RTT Meeting
    • The PREVENT (Prediction, Recognition, eValuation and Eradication of Normal Tissue effects of radiotherapy) Meeting.

The scientific experts for the five meetings have compiled an outstanding programme dedicated to clinicians, medical physicists, biologists, radiation therapists and nurses and will provide interdisciplinary tracks, symposia, presidential and joint sessions, debates, teaching lectures, etc...

Important Dates:

• • • 7 December 2012 for the abstract submission
    • 12 December 2012 for the early registration

More Information:

www.estro.org 

The first round of Speakers for this year’s Stereotactic Radiotherapy Summer School have been announced:

International Speakers

• • • Simon Duane (UK)
    • Alison Scott (UK)
    • Gavin Cranmer-Sargison (CAN)

Local Speakers

• • • Tomas Kron
    • David Thwaites
    • Anna Ralston
    • Tanya Kairn
    • John Kenny

See the Summer School page for more information. Places are limited so be sure to register soon!

ACPSEM Summer School 2012: Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Focusing on Small Photon Field Dosimetry

30 November – 02 December 2012

Russel Strong Auditorium, Princess Alexandra Hospital

Brisbane, QLD

Registration for the ACPSEM Summer School 2012 is now open. In 2012, the ACPSEM Summer School provides focussed content that is comprehensive and relevant to both trainee and experienced medical physicists with the intention to:

• Refresh fundamental physics concepts for experienced physicists in relation to stereotactic therapies and introduce the current state of the art. The focus will be on the dosimetry of small photon fields.
• Be an intensive introduction to relevant fundamental physics for TEAP Registrars that will assist in the realisation of training competencies. Focus will be on the dosimetry of small photon fields.
• Include both theoretical and practical aspects of performing measurements in small photon fields, including absolute dosimetry in standards labs.
• Deliver a broad comprehensive syllabus on stereotactic treatment practice. Where relevant, the small field dosimetry aspects will be extended to briefly cover applications to IMRT.
• Highlight essential documentation in regards to dosimetry, along with local and international standards for the best practice of stereotactic radiation therapy.
• Provide a forum for identifying and debating both current practices and emerging issues in this area.
• Provide the opportunity for registrars to demonstrate their competencies via assignments and/or quizzes.
• Have pre-determined CPD points for attendance, plus additional points obtainable by completing the additional learning & assessment tasks. All CPD management is to be made as easy & user friendly as possible.

Speakers and program will be announced shortly.

Places are limited so registration is required. Submit a Summer School 2012 Registration Form  by 1^st of November.

For more info: visit Summer School 2012 information

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Excellence in TEAP: National TEAP Supervisors Workshop 2012

Friday 7^th December 2012

Gold Coast Exhibition Centre

Gold Coast, QLD

The ACPSEM is hosting a National TEAP Supervisors Workshop ‘Excellence in TEAP’ for supervisors and registrars. Held on Friday 7 December 2012 at the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre, this free workshop will provide a forum for discussion with over ten invited speakers to present on current practice, cross department supervision and implementation of the Training Education and Assessment program (TEAP) in all specialties.

Registration is required as places are limited. Register for the workshop today by completing the registration form before 1 November 2012.

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call (02) 9700 8522

This Project is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.

After over 40 years service to the Medical Physics Profession, Dr Richard Smart has retired. Based at St George Hospital (NSW) for 35 years, Richard has been an advocate for radiation safety serving on numerous national and international advisory boards. Richard was also actively involved in education, holding positions at UNSW and the University of Wollongong. He has also been an active member of ACPSEM and has contributed to the advancement of the College, and to the profession as a whole.

We wish to sincerely thank Richard for all his hard work and service and wish him all the best in future endeavours.

Patient Safety in Radiation Oncology Workshop

 4th & 5th October 2012

Melbourne

A two-day workshop for Radiation Therapists, Physicists & Radiation Oncologists, exploring incident occurrence, detection, prevention and correction.  Emphasis is placed on a team-based approach, with active participation of national and international faculty and delegates through discussions and group exercises. 

Click here to view the programme and registration form

Contact:

www.rosis.info  

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The Australasian Conference on Error in Medical Imaging

CQ Functions, Melbourne
November 16 & 17 2012

Following the success of the 2010 meeting in Sydney,this conference will explore key safety issues in medical imaging, with a focus on human factors.The conference will be multidisciplinary and of value to the entire medical imaging team.

For more information see: 

Error in Medical Imaging Conference Flyer
www.conferenceworks.net.au/apsf 

ACPSEM Mammography Testing Certification

3 August 2012

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Perth, WA

This one day workshop should be considered by both those wanting to update their certified Mammography Equipment Assessor qualifications to include digital and currently uncertified users. Upon successful completion, participants will be certified Digital Mammography Equipment Assessors. 

This workshop is offered at a special discount price as it will be video recorded for educational purposes and is partially funded by the Department of Health and Ageing.

Registration: This workshop is limited to 30 places, so submit your Perth MTC Registration Form early to avoid disappointment.

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Australian Biomedical Engineering Conference (ABEC) Conference 2012

17-19 September 2012

Greek Club

SouthBrisbane, QLD

The organising committee is excited to announce the provisional program for the Australian Biomedical Engineering Conference (ABEC) 2012 conference, "Health Through Engineering" to be held at the Greek Club in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia from Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 September is now available.

With the provisional program delivering on topics such life as a biomedical engineer in Australia and overseas, the future of the education and registration of biomedical engineers to everyday challenges many biomedical engineers face and that is - risk.

With keynote presentations from well-respected professionals discussing many of the pressing issues of biomedical engineering today this conference is "must attend" biomedical engineering conference in Australia.

Registration: Click here

Contact: Anthony This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ACPSEM Statement – Radiation Exposure Risks from CT scans in Childhood

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is an important clinical tool that uses ionising radiation in the form of x-rays to allow for the quick visualisation and diagnosis of a multitude of medical conditions.  In general, concerns exist that the associated ionising radiation may have detrimental effects, particularly for children.

Several studies have been and are being conducted worldwide to assess the potential risks of paediatric CT imaging.   A recently published epidemiological study from Great Britain has linked CT imaging of children and young adults to a small increase in the risk of developing cancer later in life.  This reported result is broadly consistent with current scientific thinking that ionising radiation is a known carcinogen.

The absolute risks reported in this recent study are very low. The study reports that the relative risks might almost triple the risk of leukaemia and brain tumours due to multiple CT scans. These cancers are relatively rare and since the background risk is very low, a doubling or tripling of the risk is still a very low risk.

The immediate benefits of CT imaging significantly outweigh any long-term risks.  In general, CT imaging is used to diagnose serious health conditions and the health risk of not having a CT scan is likely to be significantly higher than the risk from the radiation exposure.

The ACPSEM advocates that CT scanning should only be performed when it is clinically justified and performed with the lowest possible radiation dose to obtain the diagnostic information required.  Alternative procedures that do not involve ionising radiation, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound should be considered.  All CT scanners should undergo a process of image and dose optimisation in collaboration with a certified medical physicist to ensure that the best diagnostic image quality is being delivered at the lowest possible radiation dose to the patient.

Reference: Pearce, MS et al, Radiation exposure from CT scans in childhood and subsequent risk of leukaemia and brain tumours: a retrospective cohort study, The Lancet, published online 7 June 2012, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60815-0 

3rd International NanoMedicine Conference

2-4 July 2012

Coogee Beach, Sydney 

From this seaside location, we will again assemble a world-class group of researchers and clinicians, with plenary speakers including Dr Alan Trounson President Californian Institute of Regenerative Medicine, John Pickup Professor of Diabetes and Metabolism at King's College London and School of Medicine, Guy's Hospital UK, Prof Tanja Weil, Ulm University Germany and Patrick Boisseau, CEA France. These speakers will join an ever growing list of nanomedicine invited speakers. As with previous years, the great Australian hospitality will make this a conference to remember, including social and networking activities that are aimed at forging collaboration and exploring ideas though multidisciplinary approaches. But it will be the presentation of research that will again be the star of this conference. All researchers be they from medicine, chemistry or science that work in the nanomedicine field are acutely aware of the great need to prevent and cure diseases which have emotional, social and economic ramifications.

Key themes include
• Imaging
• Nanosafety
• Tissue regeneration and repair
• Sensing & diagnosis
• Delivery of therapeutics (drugs, siRNA, DNA, Peptides)
• Translational medicine

This year we will again have special programs to encourage Early and Mid-Career Researchers to present their work. If you are interested in submitting an abstract for either oral or poster please visit the website. We hope you are able to join us for Great Science at the Beach.

More information : 3rd International NanoMedicine Conference flyer

www.oznanomed.org 

Monte Carlo for Beginners: Gent4 and MCNP

CPD Endorsed course

Dr Scott Penfold and Dr Puthenparampil Wilson

 Program

Geant4 Seminar 1 (June 6, 2012)

• Monte Carlo in medical physics
• The Geant4 toolkit
• Installation
• Running a simulation
• Defining geometries

Geant4 Seminar 2 (June 13, 2012)

• Physics processes
• Primary particle source
• Sensitive volumes
• Visualization and macros

MCNP Seminar 1 (June 20, 2012)

• Overview of MCNPX
• MCNPX setup
• Applications in medical physics calculations
• Applications in particle therapy

See attached for more information (MoteCarloforBeginnersFlyer)

Leadership and Practice Development in Health: Quality and Safety through Workplace Learning Conference

29 to 30 November 2012

Hotel Grand Chancellor 

Hobart 

Call for Presentations 

Submission due 22 June 2012

The theme for this year’s conference is Technology and Simulation in Health Conference. The conference has an interdisciplinary focus on quality and safety through workplace learning incorporating a diverse range of support methods and strategies. We are proud to present an exciting program that will feature nationally and internationally recognised leaders from nursing and midwifery, allied health and medicine to showcase the latest and the best in research and practice. The program will also incorporate a rural and remote stream.

 See flyer: LaPD Conference Flyer

More information: www.cdesign.com.au/simulation2012